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Congress I

This course explores the role of U.S. congressional institutions and their influence on policy-making. Students will learn to identify and explain the functions of formal institutions, interpret the U.S. Constitution, and apply it to current policy dilemmas. We will discuss the significance of congressional elections, redistricting, and gerrymandering, as well as the implications of political strategies within the legislative process. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique features of the American government and the complex dynamics at play in Congress.

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Congress I

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  1. Congress I 3/8/2012

  2. Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form • Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: • identify and explain the role of formal (congressional) institutions and their effect on policy. • to understand and interpret the United States Constitution and apply it to present policy dilemmas. • have a better understanding of why our national government works and why the American system of government is unique.

  3. Office Hours and Readings • Chapter 8 on Congress • Office Hours • Today 11-2

  4. Super tuesday

  5. Not the Game Changer This in 2008 To This in 2012

  6. What Was at Stake • 10 States • More than 400 Delegates • 21 states and 800+ delegates in 2008

  7. Romney wins 6 • Santorum wins 3 • Gingrich wins 1 • Ron Paul will never quit

  8. The Delegate Count

  9. Article I The congress

  10. The Great Compromise

  11. Eligibility House Senate 30 Years old 9 Years a US resident Citizen • 25 Years Old • 7 Years a US resident • Citizen

  12. The Senate • 2 Seats for Every State • 6 year Terms that overlap • 9 States have more than 50% of population, but 18% of representation

  13. The House • 435 Seats • Divided by Population • 2-year terms • 700,000 Constituents

  14. Redistricting and Reapportionment

  15. Reapportionment • Dividing up the 435 House Seats • Based on the Census • Every state Gets 1 (50 states) • 385 Seats are at play every year

  16. Winners and Losers 2012

  17. Redistricting • The process of redrawing districts within a state • State legislatures control the battle • Very Political

  18. Laws on Redistricting • Districts must have equal populations • You cannot destroy a party either • You cannot dilute minority voting • Malapportionment

  19. Gerrymandering • An Eponym • Politically motivated redefinition of election districts.  • Not possible in the Senate

  20. Packing and Cracking

  21. Partisan Gerrymandering • The Most Traditional Form • Drawing lines to favor a political party • Some of the Worst

  22. Racial Gerrymandering • The Original intent • Voting Rights Act • The Modern intent • Descriptive representation • Majority minority districts • The Political Implications

  23. Gerrymandering and the case of Texas- 2003

  24. The Events Leading Up to it all • In 2000, the Democrats Gerrymander the state in their favor • In 2002, the Democrats get 44% of the vote and 54% of the Seats in Congress • Republicans take the Texas House and Senate and want payback

  25. Payback Courtesy of Tom De Lay • A mid-year reapportionment • Strategy • 2 for 1s • Create unsafe seats • Make life miserable

  26. What it did locally

  27. Why it Fell apart • Voting Rights Act • One district ruled in violation • The Rest Fell like dominoes • But the Damage Was Done

  28. What Happened to Tom De Lay? • DWTS • Currently on bail awaiting an appeal on money laundering

  29. Gerrymandering and Texas- 2011

  30. What Happens • The Republicans win big in 2010 • Large Majorities in the House and Senate

  31. The Legislature Draws the First Map • It Favors the Republicans (Duh) • Legal Challenges by Latino and African-American Groups

  32. A Federal Court in San Antonio Draws a New Map • This map favors Democrats • The State of Texas sues • This postpones our Primary from Super Tuesday

  33. A Compromise • Our Primary is now May 29th • The New map gives Democrats 2-3 of the new seats…. • No One is really happy

  34. What it Does to Austin • Creates 5 Districts • Four Safe Republican • Stretches Doggett’s District to San Antonio

  35. Getting to Congress

  36. The Bad Old Days • Congress Did very Little • It was seen as a penance • D.C. Was not a nice place

  37. What has changed? • Air Conditioning • Congress does more • People want to go there

  38. Who Are Our Congressman: Wealthy

  39. Why so many millionaires? • Running for Congress is a costly endeavor • Running for Congress is a full-time job • You need a job that permits this

  40. Congress is Older

  41. Still More Men Than Women

  42. Changes Since the 1990’s

  43. A Great Job

  44. Well-Paid

  45. Great Benefits • Money For Trips and Travel • Great Pension • Cheap Health Care

  46. Other Perks • Great Parking • 3 day work week • Franking Privilege • Power and Prestige

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